While there are a lot of scary drugs out there with addictive qualities, meth is one of the scarier ones. It tends to be very destructive physically, mentally, and socially. The long-term and short-term effects can be drastic, and it is not a substance to be taken lightly. This post will focus on the side effects of meth.

Meth is short for methamphetamine or methadone. While these two drugs operate very similarly, they have quite a few major differences. Methadone is a legal medication that is prescribed by a doctor for either pain or at a Methadone clinic for treating addiction to opiates (drugs like morphine, heroin, Oxycontin, and Vicodin). Methadone itself has some addictive properties, so it is important for users to be aware of this and alert to the symptoms of addiction.

Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is a more potent drug and is only prescribed by doctors for very severe cases and only in rare occasions. Methamphetamines are also illegally manufactured in non-sanctioned labs in the US and in Mexico. Methamphetamine production involves a number of very hazardous chemicals, making it quite dangerous to anyone nearby. These illegally manufactured methamphetamines are also much more dangerous than their prescribed counterparts, as there is no true way of knowing exactly what is in them.

Methamphetamines have a range of short- and long-term side effects. People who abuse this drug are likely to experience increased mood, energy, and activity. Other side effects include dry mouth, jaw clenching, and slurred speech. Users also risk increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; difficulty breathing; and convulsions.

However, the long-term side effects are much worse. People who abuse methamphetamine over a long period of time may experience anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and violent mood swings. Some even show symptoms of psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions. Chronic use is accompanied by molecular changes in the brain, which translates into reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning as well as other cognitive and emotional problems. Physical effects of long-term use include extreme weight loss, sores and pocks on the skin, and severe dental problems. Lastly, use of methamphetamines increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases.

As the effects of methamphetamine use are extremely destructive, it is imperative to keep the public well informed on dangers of the drug as well as the extreme risk of lasting physical and mental damage taken with each abuse. If you or someone you love is abusing methamphetamines and needs help, contact our intake coordinators here.

-Andrea Rayburn

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